Validation
Validation is the process of checking data against specified requirements. This guide introduces client-side validations, and server-side validations, and describes the available resources that you can use to build them in Shopify checkout.
How it works
Anchor link to section titled "How it works"You can build functionality in your app that enables merchants to provide the following experiences:
- Client-side validation using a checkout UI extension
- Server-side validation using a cart and checkout validation function
Client-side validation
Anchor link to section titled "Client-side validation"You can use a checkout UI extension to perform client-side validation at checkout.
By validating checkout information in the browser, merchants can prevent customers from proceeding in the checkout when they haven't met certain conditions. For example, you can prevent customers from shipping to a PO box, or block customers under the age of 18 from making a purchase.
A benefit of client-side validation is that it provides immediate feedback, eliminating the need for a server round-trip. As a result, customers can correct issues sooner, leading to a more efficient and streamlined user experience.
However, it's important to note that client-side validation can be bypassed. Therefore, any validation that can affect your business should be enforced through a cart and checkout validation function on the server-side, such as verifying that the customer isn't attempting to exceed purchase limits or ensuring that loyalty program points are properly redeemed.
Server-side validation
Anchor link to section titled "Server-side validation"You can use Shopify Functions to implement validation on the server-side.
By validating cart and checkout information on the server, merchants can ensure that purchases meet certain criteria before a customer can check out or complete an order. For example, you can enforce an order maximum for customers with insufficient order history, and prevent them from proceeding through checkout.
Using Shopify Functions for server-side validation is the recommended approach to ensure that a merchant's business logic is enforced. Server-side validation is available for online store carts, carts built for custom storefronts, and at checkout.
Getting started
Anchor link to section titled "Getting started"Follow these tutorials to get started with validating checkout on the client, or validating an entire cart and checkout on the server.
Developer tools and resources
Anchor link to section titled "Developer tools and resources"Explore the following developer tools and resources to get familiar with building validations in checkout.